Muhlenberg's 'Seussical' is delightful for kids, adults

"Seussical," the children's production at Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre through July 27, is a fantastically entertaining show that will delight both children and adults.

The show, which mashes together several of Dr. Seuss' most popular books, brings familiar characters such as Horton the elephant and The Cat in the Hat to colorful life in a way that enchants kids while adding sophistication that parents will appreciate.

There's no doubt that once you enter the theater you are immersed in the world of Dr. Seuss. Even the announcements for turning off your cell phone were cleverly done in Seuss-style rhyme.

Muhlenberg's intimate Studio Theatre makes ingenious use of its space with a multilevel, jungle gym-style set, on which the characters climb up, and slide down firemanlike. The 14-person cast makes use of every part of the theater, from the aisles to the second-story balcony. Two cords even allow cast members to swing across the stage.

Energetically directed by Benjamin Shaw, the one-act show is almost all music with songs ranging from "It's Possible" to "Oh the Things You Can Think" and "Green Eggs and Ham."

The musical, by Tony Award-winning team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, opens with everything covered with drop cloths. The petite Lana Gallo as a dreamy JoJo enters, and the cloths are whisked away to reveal a magical set.

Don't expect to see cat suits or elephant trunks. The actors suggest their characters with brightly colored but somewhat minimal costumes.

The Cat in the Hat, smoothly acted by Luke Taylor, enters wearing the familiar red-and-white top hat but later switches to a red-and-white striped knit beanie.

James Patefield is perfect as the well-meaning and big-hearted Horton the elephant. He has a sweetly soulful voice on "Along on the Universe," a touching duet with JoJo. Stars sparkling on the ceiling add to the effect.

Gertrude McFuzz, the awkward bird with the one-feather tail, is played wistfully by Lily Fryburg, who also shows she is no shrinking violet with her hilarious love song to Horton "All for You."

As Maizie, the self-centered and selfish bird who leaves Horton with her egg, Morgan Reilly grabs the spotlight with her powerhouse vocals.

Adding a touch of whimsy, the Sour Kangaroo is played by Will Raynor, with a puppet serving as the Young Kangaroo.

The Wickersham brothers, portrayed by Adrian Graham-Chesnavage, Josh Shapiro and Will Kellogg, are all over the set — literally — as a troupe of mischievous monkeys.

The show incorporates dancing in some of the numbers, particularly the imaginary McElligott's Pool in "It's Possible."

•"Seussical," 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday, through July 27. Children can meet cast members and get autographs after the show. Tickets: $10-$12, 484-664-3333, muhlenberg.edu/SMT.